What are the responsibilities and job description for the CORRECTIONAL OFFICER PRIVATE position at Prince George's County, MD Government?
Nature and Variety of Work
Come join our team!
Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.
SIGN-ON BONUS $10,000!
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply!
The Prince George's County Department of Corrections is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill multiple full-time Correctional Officer Private positions, Grade D-21, for its September Correctional Officer Entrance Level Training Academy. This is a rewarding entry-level position and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
This vacancy announcement is for entry-level Correctional Officer vacancies for the 2027 fiscal year ending in June 2027. Once vacancies fill, interested applicants will need to reapply for positions for the 2027 fiscal year.
About the Position:
As an essential worker, Correctional Officers provide quality inmate care in a secure environment while positively impacting their community. As an integral part of the criminal justice system, Correctional Officers maintain security, safety, and control at the County facility. Correctional Officers must be able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, apply interpersonal skills and techniques to direct inmates, exercise good judgment in controlling inmates, and act calmly and decisively in stressful and emergency situations.
About the Agency:
Examples of Work
- Provide care, custody, and control of inmates in a direct supervision environment.
- Conduct regular head counts of inmates on assigned posts.
- Monitor inmate behavior and report unusual activity to ensure safety and security.
- Assist other Correctional Officers in the management of inmates.
- Conduct regular searches of inmate areas such as cells, recreation rooms, and showers for contraband.
- Manage confrontational situations as they arise to maintain security.
- Perform CPR and/or first aid when necessary.
- Investigate and respond to emergencies within the Department of Corrections.
- Prepare routine reports and records electronically.
- Maintain the inventory of various security equipment.
- Provide counsel and assistance to inmates.
- Ensure inmates are afforded fair and equitable treatment.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet all minimum qualifications listed below to be eligible for additional consideration.
Qualified applicants must be/have:- U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien Status
- High School graduate or possess a GED certificate recognized by the Maryland State Board of Education
- At least 18 years of age
- Valid driver's license issued in the United States plus 6 months of post- license driving experience
- Be willing to be an ESSENTIAL employee
We anticipate our next academy class will start May 2026; however, candidates may be hired after meeting all background requirements are successfully met. Once vacancies fill for the August Academy, interested applicants will need to reapply for positions for the 2027 fiscal year beginning July 2026.
Before applying, serious applicants will:
- Be prepared to take and pass the Correctional Officer Physical Ability Test (COPAT)
- Review your credit report at www.AnnualCreditReport.com
- Review your driving history
- Additionally, all male U.S. citizens and male aliens living in the U.S. who are 18 and over are required to register with Selective Service. Please register at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx.
Please do not use a mobile device, such as a phone, to complete this application. You are highly encouraged to use a desktop or laptop computer so that you can carefully and thoroughly read and understand all aspects of applying for this position.
Additional Information
Conditions of Employment: Upon selection, the candidate must:
- Be willing to work in a correctional facility.
- Be available for shift work, which includes weekends and holidays, as required.
- Be willing and able to wear issued uniforms and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of their assigned duties.
- Pass the Department of Corrections Correctional Entrance Level Training Academy.
- Meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
- Successfully pass preemployment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, and drug screenings, COPAT, medical exam, polygraph, pysh evaluation, etc.
- Be willing and able to serve as an essential employee. This position is designated essential. The employee must be willing to participate as a critical/essential employee during emergencies, such as natural or manmade disasters or special activities/events. Essential employees are expected to report to work or remain at work when other County employees are granted administrative leave. Employees in this classification may be assigned to any of the three shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage to maintain the facility's security.
Selection Process: To be considered for this position, applicants must successfully complete all of the following phases:
ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
Phase 1
- Submit an online application
- Complete the Preliminary Questionnaire and Criminal History Check
- Pass the Correctional Officer Physical Ability Test (COPAT)
- Pass the Oral Board Interview
Phase 2
- Provide a valid photo ID, signed social security card, and high school diploma or GED. A bachelor’s degree may be accepted in lieu of a high school diploma.
- Complete the Personal History Statement (PHS)
- Complete Fingerprinting
- Complete Background Investigation & PHS Orientation
- Complete and successfully pass Medical Examination & Drug Screening Test
- Complete Polygraph Examination
- Complete Psychological Screening
- Accept the offer of employment
- Complete onboarding and new employee orientation
- Upon acceptance of employment as a Correctional Officer Private, candidates may be offered a temporary support position as a Green Officer until the start of the Correctional Entrance Level Training Academy
- Completion of and graduation from the Prince George's County Department of Corrections Entry Level Training Academy
Reasons for disqualification may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Previous disqualification for this or other public safety positions
- Deception or falsification of information on application or other documents
- Poor work history
- Poor driving record which includes suspended license/DWI/DUI
- History or pattern of crimes, both reported and not reported; felony/misdemeanor conviction; illegal drug usage, possession, distribution, sale, or purchase
- Failure to meet physical and mental standards.
Notifications
Notifications for this position will be made via email. Applicants must monitor the e-mail account provided and update their online profile with any changes to personal information.
Applicants must ensure your e-mail account allows emails from all addresses ending in "@co.pg.md.us".
Signing bonus payout timeline:
$3,000
1st month of hire
2nd
$3,000
Graduation from DOC CELT Academy
3rd
$4,000
After 18 months of employment
For more information on working for the Prince George's County Department of Corrections, please visit PGDOC – Recruit – Prince George's County Department Of Corrections.
ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
Eligibility to Work: Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to provide and verify authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed. For information on E-Verify, or if you believe the County has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or visit their website at dhs.gov/E-Verify.
INTERNAL APPLICANTS: If you are a current Prince George's County Government employee and seeking a promotion, in accordance with Section 16-200 of the Personnel Law, you have the right to appeal a rejection rating within five (5) working days of receiving a rejection notice. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement and/or union representative for their grievance procedure.
Prince George's County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
General Plan Information:
New employees must enroll in the County’s health benefit plans within thirty (30) days of the hire date.
Prince George’s County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:
- Medical/Prescription/Dental/Vision Insurance Coverage (part time employees are eligible for medical insurance if they work 15 hours, per week)
- Group Term Life Insurance
- Long & Short-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance Program
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account
- Paid Leave (Annual, Personal, & Sick)
- 13 Paid Holidays
- Retirement Benefits
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Employer Contribution Rate-11.71%
- Supplemental Pension Plan
- Employee Contribution Rate (Pre-Tax)-3.48%
- 457(b)
- 403(b)
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Benefits
- Critical Illness
- Whole Life Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Legal Services
For additional details, please visit: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/human-resources-management/employees/benefits
Salary : $56,513